Michelin Commander 3 review!!

[@Jonathan-L]

Hi Darryl, thanks for the update (in your other video) on the new tread pattern that Michelin have announced in November 2022. I'm due for a set of new tyres, so I shall investigate the availablity of the new improved design.

[@GrantGrove]

I agree completely with your evaluation and description of the Commander lll. I ride a Vstar 650 Custom and noticed the same as your descriptions. Also able to easily change the corner lines midway with these tires. Have not noticed a hum yet but most riding is on secondary twisty roads. Highly recommended...

[@ljmarino1]

I have been experiencing the same thing in long sweeping curves with Dunlops on my Street Glide. I'm glad that the rear is already worn out after only 6K miles so that I can replace the tires with the Michelins. Thanks for helping to convince me.

[@CptnMurff]

Eight Harley Riders in our group switched from Dunlop's to Commander II's and then to Commander III's... None had the "singing" issue at any speed ! But, We all use "BEADS" for Tire Balancing, instead of External Weights... The Beads are constantly balancing your tires as you ride... It's called "Dynamic Balancing" ! And it's the only way to go, for you never have to rebalance your tires! Most of the others in our riding group will be switching to Commander III's at their next tire change too.. The Commander III's will get at least 25% more mileage than the Commander II's ! As for the Dunlop's, never again... Because of the extra mileage of Life you get with the III's, the little extra cost of the III's over the II's is well worth it...

[@contact4mwy7]

2009 Road King with aftermarket front fairing and Harley Davidson tour pak on back. I'm running the stock Dunlop front and a Michelin Commander III rear, both with beads in them, and they match up great with each other as they are both BIAS Ply. Will be going Michelin for the front as soon as the Dunlop is retired due to how much I like the construction and handling of the Michelin's.

[@tainted_timmy6726]

What size/kind of bikes? There weights? They have 2 different styles tires. The touring com3s and cruiser com3s

[@thedude4065]

I own a 2005 Yamaha Roadstar, and I put a set of Michelin Commander 3's on it about a month ago. I've put about 1,000 Km. on the tires since installation. The verdict .... all future tire purchases I make will be Commander 3's .... they're that good. The rubber compound is "grippy", yet you get good tire life expectancy, and the Commander 3's are amazing when cornering or in wet weather. I have total confidence in my Roadstar now ... using Commander 3's. The previous tires I had on my Roadstar were Metzler 888's, and I'd say that they are a "good" tire, which I'd give a 4/5 star rating. However, the Commander 3 is an "excellent" tire, and it gets a 5/5 star rating from me. Don't hesitate buying them ... they'll transform your riding experience no matter what bike you install them on.

[@sinisterspeedco.3637]

I agree. Was just stating the fact that they may have some things to work through to quiet them down. I too will never put another tire in my touring bike other than the Michelin. Cheers

[@charlesnorton5134]

I have a 1700 Roadstar too ,,and I have been racking my brains to find a suitable tire ,, so thank you (beekeeper) I will give them a try this winter .

[@alexsantos6843]

I bought a commander 3 for my Drag Star 650 (I think it's the V-Star in the USA, I'm from Brazil), the front tire is the original 2008, here the dealers don't have the Michelin Commander 3 in the measures 170/80 R15 (her rear tire), Michelin stated that the rear commander 3 can last more than 40,000 kilometers

[@curtisscott6049]

I just got a set of Commander 3's on my bike which is considerably lighter than something the size of your bike. It has the same singing issue in the front tire however because my bike is so light it's actually a compound issue transitioning from a lighter substance to a harder substance in the center. Once mine are scrubbed in I've heard a lot of people have luck lowering the air pressure by two or three pounds which won't compromise the tire but they've managed to get rid of the sound and vibration.

[@AIPsince1993]

I have been riding on this touring rear tire for the last 9000 km on my 2014 Street Glide and recently had a scary experience in wet conditions. While maintaining speed (not accelerating) the tire broke loose on new wet asphalt. Two of my friends who also have Street Glides and the same rear tire have both experienced similar traction issues with this tire. None of us felt it was a hydroplane situation and none of us were in the center of the lane where oil collects. If you are considering this tire or already have it be careful in wet conditions.

[@bigdog4574]

Interesting… how many miles in the tire when this happened? How fast were you going? I had commander 2 for 10K miles or so and did heavy rain riding with absolutely no issues.just upgraded to 3 expecting to see same if. It better performance

[@stuartroy2937]

Had a set of both 2 and 3s on T bird1600 sidewall was 5mm more than standard size but boy what a tyre on this bike now got a screaming eagle vrod which is due tyres and it's gotta be commanders for this un 🏍👍ride safe stay free

[@dougfrazelle-OldManRiding]

I agree that the bike handling was vastly improved with the Commander lll’s, my only complaint with them is that they do not handle wet roads very well. I’ve had two occasions where the rear tire lost traction and the bike fishtailed. Thankfully, I was able to regain control. But on any dry day, I would take the Commander lll’s over any other tire.

[@onementality9781]

I would have never thought a tire would provide confidence like the Cammander gives

[@texasmotorcyclerideradventures]

I had to get a Dunlop because these were out of stock and you are exactly right, the OEM Dunlop was horrible in the corners. They would destabilize with any road surface anomolies. I just took the first ride with my new set of C3's and I am in heaven. If there is a tire that works on a bagger better than this, I want it! For now, I am very happy.

[@mikedanaher3413]

I went with the Dunlop American Elite on my Road King. Over 5 thousand miles and not one issue. They are very sticky even in wet conditions. I’m confident that I won’t get the mileage out of them that the Michelin tires give but, the way they handle every condition I throw at it I’m very happy with them. Only thing I haven’t ridden them in is snow. Lol screw that. 😁

[@richardconnoly]

When I sold my Heritage and picked up a new Wing, my wife was a lot happier and I installed Centramatic wheel balancers. Spendy but worth it as I have zero vibrations off the wheels and tire life has greatly improved. For my ADV Bike (Tiger 800 XCX), when I added bumpy tires, I added Counteract Balance Beads. The tires and wheels often get loaded up with mud (Vancouver Island) and again the beads keep the wheels and tires nicely planted and vibration-free, on and off-road. This spring, I will likely look at adding new tires to the Wing and Commander 3s are tires I am considering. I would be very interested in anyone's comments with C3s who also have active balancing installed.

[@onementality9781]

He is spot on, I just got the commander2 and I'm amazed at how smooth

[@beronib888]

Thanks for the review. I just installed the Commander 3's on a Yamaha Stratoliner and im getting the same vibration in the grips and various speeds. Otherwise I agree they feel great.

[@agnidominik4693]

did the vibration go away over time, I am currently experiencing the vibrations from my front end, and it is quite annoying...

[@beronib888]

@@agnidominik4693 nope I also found super annoying. I ended up getting a set of Perrelli Night dragons and didn't have a problem since.

[@ackd464]

Just put commander 3 on my 06 vtx 1300c. My old tires were cupping and had take corners slower was fighting the bike over 80km . Now after about the first hr of riding . I wasn't fighting the bike the center of gravity is totally loads better. I'm able to corner with loads of confidence. Even my take off from a stop is more aggressive. I dont get the tire sing like Darrel was talking about . After a full day of riding there is no other tire out there that I would put on my bike .

[@richdubbya]

I just got these. I hear that "sing".. I thought I was running a flat but they're good. My rear went bad in 20 miles with a wall bubble(bad tire. Under warranty) but the next seems good. I hope to have a positive experience like yourself.

[@stevenprager203]

I had buzzing in my grips from 44mph to 69MPH…After 2 times of trying to re balance and 2,100 miles Michelin replaced my front tire. I ride a 2017 street glide special with that said I must say they are a great handling tire. I still have a very slight buzzing at juts 60.. but its much better then the first one the shop installed .

[@WFO.Ian.30]

Thanks for the review man

[@williambalyx1053]

put the commander 2's on last year (2019) on a trip across Canada, after about 5,000 kms starting getting vibrations into handgrips, it ended up being do to cupping and the rear was actually worse. I had 17,000 on them when I took them off.....if hey didn't cup would have been good....air pressures were set correctly everyday. For me the stock Dunlops work well. Michelen actually paid for me changing them out so not sure if there was something wrong with the 2's or not....so maybe i'll try the 3's next change. I ride my FLTRU hard, scrap the kickstand lots so like a sticky tire.

[@randybarrett6677]

Did you buy the touring tires , or the cruising tires ? On the heavy bikes we should use the touring tires.

[@sinisterspeedco.3637]

Of course we run the touring.

[@MrMikeb8]

ran the dunlop elite3 on my 98 electra glide and the front tire would sing also. my 07 RG has commander II and was told they were discontinued that the choice was now the comander III.

[@1935ADED]

ive been running CM2's on my 12 Road glide on my last 5 sets of tires. absolutely love them. took my bike to get inspected a couple weeks ago and they said the tires will pass but ill need a new set soon. ok no problem I figured that anyways. started looking for MC2's and no one, I mean no one has a front in stock in my size 130/70B18. started looking at the reviews on the MC3's and everything I read was always about the vibration and or the humming sound so that had turned me away from getting them. luckily I finally found a new MC2 on ebay for $180 bucks which I bought immediately. now just waiting on the MC2 rear tire to get in and I'll be good to go. definitely not liking the reviews on the MC3's unfortunately

[@bobp1880]

It would seem that Michelin had a bad batch of front tires (although they are staying tight lipped about it) A lot of people are running the MC III with no issues. But, quite a few of us have had a problem. I put one on, had the noise and vibration, tried a second, same thing. (The second one was the same production date as the first.) I decided to go back to the MCII and all is good. Michelin were good, they reimbursed me. Hopefully the affected tires will work their way out of the system and I can try them again.

[@charlesmoore874]

I put a set of these on my 08 Ultra Classic this past spring. $600. I was replacing the original Dunlop Elites with 20K miles and still plenty of tread. I feel the vibration in the new tires and it is annoying. When you lean into a curve it feels nice and smooth and when you straighten back up there is vibration. Professionally installed and with the correct pressure. If I had it to do over again I would probably replace with the original brand less the white wall.

[@shaneitsaname6135]

Just ordered some for my 2011 Heritage, looking forward to getting them on after this review 👍👍😊

[@shaneitsaname6135]

Well I have them on, front tyre has been balanced twice and checked if out of 'true' it's perfect, bike was great til putting these on. Front tyre sends buzzing harmonic vibration through the bars between 20 and 40 mile an hour. I have spoken to multiple people with the same problem and no solution except changing the tyre to another brand. It's a pity, the handling is great, but as soon as the bike is vertical, buz buzz buzz through the bars, bike has been gone over at a shop that is run by guys that race super bikes, they know their shit. I'm getting no help from Michelin either. Anyone reading this, don't risk it, buy another brand 😒

[@tristanweis5065]

Michelin denied my warranty claim on brand new tires. Improper fitment they said. OEM tire size 130/70R18 on a 2021 FLHTK ultra limited. Apparently Michelin doesn’t make a single tire that fits the FLHTK models.

[@tristanweis5065]

Edit: date code is 0421

[@Dirk1961-l7y]

How are the Comm3 nowadays??? I had a puncher in my HD Dunlops at my Ultra Ltd ‘21! They charge €525 ($562) incl mounting here in Holland. I read so many bad reviews. Also a retired Michelin sales guy i know…..would buy a Avon Cobra Choom set on his RKS!! That says a lot

[@jamesweber4938]

I noticed when I had the Commander 3'Touring tires fitted they were extremely slick when new. I don't mean the normal new tire slick that you have to scrub off with a few miles. I am talking about so slick I could push the bike backwards with the front brake fully on. Another time I had to do a fairly low speed (20kmph) emergency stop and the back wheel locked up for about 20 feet. It was like I was driving on ice. The road was dry and the tire was warmed up. There was nothing on the asphalt to make the tire skid like that and it caught me off guard. I never rode the bike in the rain to test the wet weather performance but the incident of the rear tire locking up did not inspire me with confidence to want to get caught in the rain. They handled nice in the corners and gave a smooth ride compared to Commander 2's but I am not sure if I would buy another set. Going to try Metzeler 888's next.

[@yy4uman]

Yeah, Dunlops suck. I went from them to Commander 2s. Night and day. Now I managed to wear out the 2s (took a LONG time), and will be going to the 3s. Cause the 2s DO slip a bit in the rain. Thanks for the review.

[@gordprice7575]

I'm Looking for a new set of tires. I have used two sets of of CM II's (3 front/2 rear) and don't wish to put them on again. When a few miles were on them (25% wear) , the front tire cupped and started wobbling. (with correct air and balance: 2001 Deuce) I changed the tire with too much tread left on it. Went for the second set of CMII's. Same thing. 'Cept now the rear was down to 25% center tread left and slid in the rain. Changed both tires. Now my front tire is cupping again with 40% tread left and wish to change before I go on a trip. Back is pretty good for tread- but I will change both to have a matched set. I am not convinced with the hype of how good these tires are. They don't take into account that you have to throw away the tires with usable tread left on them. Not Michelin for me.

[@Jonathan-L]

Well, I took the plunge ... I got 2 brand new Commander 3's fitted to my 2014 Softail Slim. Upon leaving the tyre shop, I could instantly feel the buzz at 25mph. I thought that it would disappear as I varied my speed, but it was still noticeable at around 40-45mph. Then at 50mph, it seemed that the front wheel was out of balance in a bad way ... I even did the imaginary doctor's check and sang a long "aaaaaaaaaaahhhh" whilst riding at 50mph and my voice vibrato matched the shaking I felt through the bars. My tyre shop is reputable and they balanced my wheels after fitting the new tyres to the rims, so this problem is a Michelin design fault. I suspect it's a 'harmonic' vibration that's linked to the tread groove shape & positioning, when riding at particular speeds. I'm not expert, but that is purely my speculation, and without a 'slick' untreaded version of the Commander 3 as a 'control' tyre, it's impossible to prove that the tread groove shape & positioning is the cause. Quite frankly, I'm really disappointed in Commander 3 tyres for the reason I just mentioned. Surely Michelin must have been aware of this issue before putting the product into the marketplace? I'm actually annoyed with myself for making the choice when I had already read about this issue that other riders had posted on KZbin & other bike forums, so I feel that I don't stand any chance in taking my complaint to Michelin, so it's really a 'buy beware' matter. So why did I buy the tyres, you may ask? ... well it was because I was optimistic that Michelin wouldn't allow an inferior product to be sold to consumers. To be fair, the Commander 3's make the bike handle better (ie good steering control) and they do feel better on small bumps than the OEM tyres ... but, the vibration/buzzing & 'out of balance' feeling not only spoils the ride, but I worry that it might cause premature wear of my wheel bearings and fork seals. And it wouldn't surprise me if that the front tyre will soon develop a 'scalloped' wear pattern (which would self-perpetuate due to the ongoing scalloping). I'm at my wits end at the moment ... I could take a gamble and just replace the front tyre with something else, leaving the Commander 3 rear tyre on the bike, but who knows if that would really overcome the issue? I just want a tyre that's faultless and has reasonable longevity, but unfortunately the Commander 3 is a dud as far as I'm concerned. What next? Where do we go from here? A class action protest from guys like me to Michelin to demand a solution? Sorry for the long post, and apologies for spelling tyre instead of tire.

[@CptnMurff]

Your issues sounds like your Tire Shop had a balancing issue, AND/OR improper air pressures, AND/OR you had just a bad tire... Hopefully you didn't get one of those Chinese fake knock off's tires. Good Luck solving your problems ! I stated this above... Eight Harley Riders in our group switched from Dunlop's to Commander II's and then to Commander III's... None had the "singing" issue at any speed ! But, We all use "BEADS" for Tire Balancing, instead of External Weights... The Beads are constantly balancing your tires as you ride... It's called "Dynamic Balancing" ! And it's the only way to go, for you never have to rebalance your tires! Most of the others in our riding group will be switching to Commander III's at their next tire change too.. The Commander III's will get at least 25% more mileage than the Commander II's ! As for the Dunlop's, never again... Because of the extra mileage of Life you get with the III's, the little extra cost of the III's over the II's is well worth it...

[@Jonathan-L]

@@CptnMurff Hi Captn, what brand are the beads you use?

[@Jonathan-L]

@@CptnMurff I just had second thoughts after watching this clip... kzbin.info/www/bejne/naOoqGSOq6iLqM0

[@tristanweis5065]

I will confirm, 2021 FLHTK Ultra Limited. Vibration issue on the front with a terrible mold line wear pattern. Date code 0421. 130/70R18 OEM tire size. Michelin denied a warranty claim for “improper fitment.” Michelin doesn’t make a single tire for the FLHTK Models. Check it on Michelin. Not one. What a waste. I would steer clear. Reputable shop installed. Reputable shop will be mounting new Dunlop American Elites and these are goi g to be an expensive dumpster fire.

[@scottradcliffe4384]

@@tristanweis5065 Just purchased for my '04 Honda Shadow Spirit VT1100. Vibration 30-35 and 50-55. I called Michelin this morning and they also won't warrant due to fitment.

[@freebehindbars8654]

12,000 km is 7,400 miles. That’s horrible, even for OEM Dunlop’s. Probably had issues holding air?

[@gasneed1982]

Did you buy the cruiser or touring?

[@sinisterspeedco.3637]

Touring.

[@Jonathan-L]

I've read about the Commander 3 buzzing at particular speeds, so I'm wondering if I went for a set of Commander 2 tires, will I be making a regrettable compromise?

[@sinisterspeedco.3637]

If you can get a set I don't think they're a bad choice at all. I have run both and am totally impressed with them both. The 2's obviously never sang to me tho!! Lol

[@billdonohue2389]

The very reason I quit running Dunlop tires over 40 years ago.

[@jeffhennings6015]

In the need for tires pretty sure I'm going with these good review

[@chilangoson]

I had a slight vibration on the front at certain speeds. Turns out one of my front forks had to be repack. No problem.

[@kellymchenry1944]

The stock Dunlop tires prone to cupping. Every front Dunlop I’ve ever had is done that except for the American elite

[@echevarriawilson]

Are the first tires you had the Dunlop American Elite?

[@sinisterspeedco.3637]

No. Stock Dunlop’s. These Michelin’s outperform those 2 to 1 easily. So predictable.

[@kevinholder3816]

First and last set of Michelin 3’s. Front tire vibrated and resonated bad. They sent another one, not as bad but still does it. Only does this going straight. Do not buy

[@emeraldcitycarpenter]

Great video❗️

[@sinisterspeedco.3637]

Thanks. More content coming soon

[@jtmarshall]

Even the commander 2s are night and day better then the stock Dunlops

[@sinisterspeedco.3637]

They were fantastic as well.

[@jtmarshall]

@@sinisterspeedco.3637 I think I'm gonna get the commander 3s for a sportster chopper I'm building... that thing will need all the grip it can get in the corners

[@davidmitchell2523]

Roughly, 2.1 clicks to a mile. So how many maple leaves to our bald eagles for those skins?

[@zacharyrec1872]

I understand no one is made of money, but for just once I'd like to see someone go from - just broke in- dunlops to a broke in set of Michelin commander 2/3. I know it's a huge difference since I made the switch myself from elite 3's to commander 2's on my victory vision. However, going from worn, or even worse cupped, tires to new tires doesn't do the dunlops any justice.

[@brianminkc]

To each his own. I run stock tires on my Harley.

[@ricwilmot1654]

As long as it doesn’t sing the blues

[@mayoman8565]

I run shenkos no problems

[@calidrummin1760]

1:54 dog scores a rogue french fry! Just sayin.

[@j.7937]

better noisy than dangerous as the dunlop harley tires. turn the music up or wear ear plugs. lol.

[@sinisterspeedco.3637]

Exactly. They out perform anything I’ve run

[@onpointdetailingbrandon6119]

I have them on my 2015 SG. Hate them

[@andremenard2933]

Vibrations?………..yeah it’s a Harley

[@dlos1987]

They are loud. Loud singing. I won't buy another set. I don't want to hear a loud tire. Too many other things I can be listening to/for, other than hearing my tires sing

[@curtisscott6049]

I'm not sure if you still have them on your bike, however, I've heard with good result that people have been dropping their tire pressure slightly and the vibration/singing goes away. Mine are not scrubbed in yet but once I have I'm going to drop down the air pressure to do a test whether or not it will actually drop the vibration/sound. What I've been hearing is that three to four PSI will do the trick, might be something worth trying.

[@dlos1987]

@@curtisscott6049 , We all tried that. I was 3 of us who bought the tires

[@Jonathan-L]

What size are your wheels? My local tire shop said they had complaints from guys with 15" and 21" front wheels.

[@dlos1987]

@@Jonathan-L 18"

[@tristanweis5065]

130/70R18 date code 0421. Terrible vibration in the front end especially around 35-40MPH. Michelin denied warranty on brand new tires because of improper fitment. Michelin doesn’t make a single tire for the FLHTK models. Not one. Check for yourself on Michelin.

[@haroldyouland9926]

They are some large chicken strips

[@OSOFLHP]

Having run both my opinion is you run under inflated cupping deformed tires creating illhandeling, transformed by new properly inflated tires,